“Themistocles being asked whether he would rather be Achilles or Homer, said, "Which would you rather be,—a conqueror in the Olympic games, or the crier that proclaims who are conquerors?"”
48 Themistocles
Apophthegms of Kings and Great Commanders
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Plutarch 251
ancient Greek historian and philosopher 46–127Related quotes

1770s, African Slavery in America (March 1775)

Random thoughts http://www.jewishworldreview.com/cols/sowell042902.asp, Jewish World Review, April 29, 2002
2000s

“I would rather go to Baghdad than go to a professional basketball game.”
Imus in the Morning, (29 March 2007)
" Kids? Just say no: You don’t have to dislike children to see the harms done by having them. There is a moral case against procreation https://aeon.co/essays/having-children-is-not-life-affirming-its-immoral", Aeon (2017)

“Most people would rather be certain they're miserable, than risk being happy.”

What Must We Do To Be Saved? (1880) http://www.gutenberg.org/files/38801/38801-h/38801-h.htm Section X, "The Evangelical Alliance."